The disproportionate number of crashes caused by unlicensed drivers defeat the business-friendly and safety purpose of complete streets, road diets, curb extensions, and other traffic-calming elements to encourage bike- and pedestrian-safe main streets.
A top safety organization is recommending that parents put their teen drivers in larger cars that are safer for occupants but more lethal for pedestrians and cyclists — raising the issue of why we are enlisting children in the SUV arms race rather than making cars smaller and safer for everyone.